Training from all Angles

An advantage that my in-person clients have is realtime feedback. Form corrections can be made on the fly to adjust positioning and troubleshoot difficult movements. My online clients must be a bit more diligent in their approach. I require them to film videos of their exercises (especially kettlebell technique) to ensure their efforts aren’t for naught.

Today’s workout was simple, but not easy. I performed 1 clean, 5 presses, and 5 swings per side. I did 3 sets with 3 different size bells: 24kg, 28kg, 32kg respectively. This totaled 9 sets of presses and swings per side. I filmed myself from the front, then from the side at an acute angle to see how my spine moved during my presses

I have had pain in my left shoulder as of late and the shifting from hip to hip during my left arm’s presses demonstrated a lack of tightness in my core. Bingo. This revelation means something: By tightening my core, squeezing my butt, and crushing the handle, I will be able to set my left lat tighter and press from a firmer platform. This will result in increased proprioception, strength, and pain-free pressing.

I also filmed myself to ensure my hinge during swings was timed correctly. I instruct my kettlebell clients to be patient on the downswing. I tell them that optimal swings begin the hinge as the arm reattaches to the torso after the float. You can clearly see that my hinge pattern is immediate and deliberate as the bell descends into the downswing. This patience will allow a tighter and more powerful swing as the weight of the bell increases.

I want you to give yourself the best advantage possible. It’s simple: train from all angles. Analyze your form by filming yourself in different planes. You will see where there are ticks in your form, or disruptions that are preventing yourself from maximizing your movement proficiency.